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High Country Pathway
High Country Pathway
The High Country Pathway is an 82-mile loop trail system nestled in Michigan's stunning northern Lower Peninsula. Winding through rolling hardwood forests, meadows, cedar swamps and wetlands, it stretches from Pigeon River Country through Montmorency, Otsego, Atlanta, Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties. The trail is known to be home to one of the largest free-roaming elk herds east of the Mississippi.
This diverse pathway offers backpackers the chance to immerse themselves in nature for up to a week, with nine state forest campgrounds conveniently located along the route for overnight stays or trail access.
Although cross-country skiing is a popular activity on the trail, it's not groomed. Be prepared for remote wilderness conditions.
Backpackers can embark on multi-day adventures, with many campgrounds strategically placed along the route for easy access and overnight stays.
- Aloha State Park
- Clear Lake State Park
- Jackson Lake State Forest Campground
- Otsego Lake State Park
- Pine Grove State Forest Campground (connects through the Clear Lake/Jackson Lake Pathway)
- Pigeon Bridge State Forest Campground
- Pigeon River State Forest Campground
- Pigeon River Country State Forest Headquarters (9966 Twin Lakes Road, Vanderbilt)
- Round Lake State Forest Campground
- Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground
- Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground
- Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground
- Town Corner Lake State Forest Campground
Thanks to the Friends of the High Country Pathway for helping to maintain the trail.
Trail activities
Cross-country skiing
Hiking
Mountain biking
Snowshoeing
Area and trail map
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Interactive map
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Printable PDF map